Student Life

As you grow up and take more advanced classes, there comes a point where attendance at class becomes optional. For example,  it is rare for anyone to record attendance at university classes. You paid for the class, you’re considered an adult, and it’s up to you whether you show up or not. It’s really tempting to skip some classes. You were up too late the night before, you find the lectures boring, you think you can just read the textbook, you have to work on an assignment that’s due tomorrow, you have to get groceries and do laundry, and the list goes on. Go to class! Try to stay awake! Pay attention! In most cases, if it’s important enough to be on the exam, it’s important enough to emphasize in class.  You’ll save time by attending class and learning what the teacher thinks is important. If you pay attention, you can often get a relatively good idea what topics are most likely to be on the exams, and get hints about what is expected on assignments or projects. Taking your own notes is also much more helpful than studying from your friend’s notes later on. The process of taking notes helps with learning and memorizing. You’ll remember details that weren’t written down and things will make much more sense when you study from them later. Professors also tend to notice who is attending class, paying attention, and participating. If a time comes when you need extra help or have special circumstances to address, they are more likely to be accommodating if they know you’ve been working hard all term.

How has your  note-taking changed since you’ve been at school?